Child carrier with three-dimensional seat

ABSTRACT

A child carrier system is disclosed, comprising: a hip belt; a seating surface attached to the hip belt and extending laterally from a first edge of the hip belt, the seating surface having a lateral edge distal from the hip belt; and a storage compartment formed by enclosing an angle between the hip belt and the seating surface with a sidewall connected to the lateral edge of the seating surface and a second edge of the hip belt. A shoulder support comprises a back panel for supporting a child, where the shoulder support bottom is detachably connected to the lateral edge of the seating surface, and at least one shoulder strap connected to at least two different sides of the back panel. The seating surface is also configured to support a child&#39;s weight while being held by the wearer without using the shoulder support.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/952,193 filed Apr. 12, 2018 and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/485,361, filed Apr. 13, 2017, for an “Infant Carrier” by Cecilia Tsai. This U.S. provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Wearable child carriers have been used by adults to carry small children (e.g., infants, babies, and toddlers). Wearable child carriers are used to keep a child close and connected to an adult caregiver as the caregiver engages in daily activities.

Babywearing is a traditional practice in many cultures that is not widely used by modern industrialized societies, but it nonetheless has many benefits for both children and caregivers. According to Babywearing International (www.babywearinginternational.org), babywearing promotes bonding, supports breastfeeding, can help combat postpartum depression, makes caregiving easier, and can be a lifesaver for parents of high-needs children. Carried babies sleep, feed, and grow better. For example, researchers have found that carried 6-week-olds cried 43% less than other children. See Hunziker UA, Garr RG. (1986) Increased carrying reduces infant crying: A randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics 77:641-648.

Babywearing may be practiced by a wide variety of caregivers including moms, dads, grandparents, siblings, nannies, nurses, doulas; in short, anyone who cares for a newborn, infant, or toddler.

Babywearing has also gained popularity in modern times for fostering a sense of security in the child and for building a stronger bond between parent and child. Carriers allow an adult to keep the baby close and content while leaving the adult's hands free to perform other tasks. The ability to hold and bond with the child while still getting things done makes a child carrier a popular accessory for many new parents.

Conventional child carriers, such as soft structured carriers, support the baby from the groin area, leaving baby's legs to hang unsupported, which may lead to discomfort and in some cases, even developmental problems for infants. This is because for the first 6 months, an infant's hip bones are still developing. New babies are very flexible, have a great deal of joint flexibility, and are more prone to developing hip dysplasia (a condition of general instability or looseness of the hip joint). If left untreated, hip dysplasia can permanently damage the structure of the hip socket causing a lifetime of pain. Although using a wearable child carrier is not generally known to cause hip dysplasia if it is not already a pre-existing condition or risk, using a wearable child carrier without proper hip support can worsen the situation if the infant being carried already has or is at risk of developing hip dysplasia.

Since hip dysplasia is a silent condition, it makes early detection very difficult. Using a child carrier is configured to support the child's legs in an “M position”, as recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, meaning the child's knees are bent, hips bent and open to the side with thighs supported, can help prevent or reduce the occurrence of debilitating conditions such as hip dysplasia.

It is also advantageous to have a child carrier that allows a child to be carried comfortably in a forward-facing as well as a backward-facing position, where the baby's weight is well-supported in a healthy position and the weight is distributed evenly to reduce the adult caregiver's fatigue.

SUMMARY

An innovative child carrier having a built-in 3D hip seat is disclosed.

Embodiments of the present invention are ergonomically designed to minimize the cause of back pain when holding a child in arms, where adult caregivers naturally tend to hold infants or small children by resting the child on the side of the hips causing the adult caregiver to twist their spine. Embodiments of the child carrier disclosed herein comprise a child carrier with a weight-bearing three-dimensional hip seat. When the child carrier is worn by the adult caregiver, the weight of the child being carried is distributed evenly on the seat and not the caregiver's hips, which allows the adult caregiver to hold the child standing straight up, thus protecting the caregiver's back.

A child carrier system having a three-dimensional seat is disclosed. The child carrier system disclosed in embodiments of the present invention includes a hip seat comprising: a hip belt comprising a first edge, a second edge, a first end, and a second end; a fastener having a first portion positioned proximate to the first end of the hip belt and a second portion positioned proximate to the second end of the hip belt for adjustably securing the hip belt around a user's waist or hips; a seating surface attached to the hip belt and extending laterally from the first edge of the hip belt, the seating surface having a lateral edge distal from the hip belt; and a storage compartment located below the seating surface wherein the storage compartment is formed by enclosing an angle between the hip belt and the seating surface with a sidewall connected to the lateral edge of the seating surface and the second edge of the hip belt. The child carrier system further comprises a shoulder support comprising: a back panel for supporting a child, the back panel having a top, a bottom, a left side, and a right side, the bottom detachably connected to the lateral edge of the seating surface; a first shoulder strap connected at a first end to the top of the back panel and at a second end to a left side or a right side of the back panel; wherein the shoulder support is detachably connected to the hip seat, and wherein the hip seat is configured to support a seated child when the shoulder support is detached while the seated child is held by the user.

These and other embodiments are more fully described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purposes of explanation, several aspects of particular embodiments of the invention are described by reference to the following figures. The following figures are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrative principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the child carrier.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the child carrier shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is side view of a hip seat portion of one embodiment of the child carrier.

FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of a child carrier storage compartment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of the child carrier in a hip seat configuration.

FIG. 6 is one embodiment of a structural support for the hip seat of the child carrier.

FIGS. 7A to 7I show different carrying configurations for the child carrier.

FIG. 8A is a front right perspective view of another embodiment of the child carrier.

FIG. 8B is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the child carrier shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the child carrier shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 10 shows two interior views (zipper open and zipper closed) of a child carrier storage compartment.

FIG. 11 is another embodiment of a structural support for the hip seat of the child carrier.

FIG. 12 is the structural support of FIG. 11 where a vertical portion of the structural support is enclosed in a padded pocket.

FIG. 13 is yet another embodiment of a structural support for the hip seat of the child carrier.

FIG. 14 is a bottom, rear, right perspective view of another embodiment of the child carrier showing a zippered opening to a compartment for insertion of the structural support of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a top, front, left perspective view of an embodiment of a foldable structural support for the hip seat of the child carrier, wherein the foldable structural support is in an open position.

FIG. 16 is a top, front view of the foldable structural support of FIG. 15, wherein the foldable structural support is in a folded position.

FIG. 17A is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a child carrier showing a location of a portion of the child carrier for a close-up view as depicted in FIG. 17B.

FIG. 17B is a close-up view of a portion of the child carrier, wherein the portion is located as shown in FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of a hip seat portion of one embodiment of the child carrier with one hip belt portion detached from the hip seat portion.

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the hip seat portion of FIG. 18 wherein the hip belt portion is attached to the hip seat portion.

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the hip seat portion of FIG. 19 wherein the hip belt portion is attached to the hip seat portion, and contents of a hip belt pocket are shown.

FIG. 21 is a front view of one embodiment of a hip seat portion of a child carrier showing a fastener to a back support portion of the child carrier in an open position.

FIG. 22 is a front view of the embodiment of a hip seat portion of a child carrier shown in FIG. 21 showing the fastener to the back support portion of the child carrier in an open and stored position.

FIG. 23 is another front view of the embodiment of a hip seat portion of a child carrier shown in FIG. 21 showing the fastener to the back support portion of the child carrier in an open and stored position, and a hip seat under storage compartment in an open position.

FIG. 24 is a bottom, front, left perspective view of a hip seat portion of a child carrier as shown in FIG. 21, wherein a hip seat under storage compartment opening is in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention and is provided in the context of particular applications and their requirements. Various modifications to the exemplary embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

The invention provides a multi-position child carrier with innovative under-seat storage. More specifically, the invention provides a storage compartment under the seating surface.

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of child carrier 10 including both back support portion 200 and hip seat portion 300. Back support portion 200 includes first and second shoulder straps 210, which can be padded for additional comfort, that each connect at one end (e.g., a first end) 212 to a top area 216 of a back panel 270. Back panel 270 provides support for the child's back and head. The first end 212 of a shoulder strap is permanently attached or sewn to the top edge back panel 270. The other end (e.g., a second end) 214 of the shoulder straps 210 can include a strap material 240 (e.g., webbing made of nylon, polyester, cotton canvas, bamboo, hemp or other suitable material), which in turn is threaded through a strap adjuster or fastener 260 (e.g., a side release buckle). A detachable fastener 260 (e.g., a quick-release, side release buckle) preferably serves the purpose of allowing adjustments to the shoulder strap length and permitting the second end of the shoulder strap to be detached from its anchor point 250 on the back panel 270. Back panel 270 can include one or more external pockets 220 or zippered compartments 230 for storing personal items or carrier accessories, such as a detachable fabric sun shade that can be fastened to the back panel 270 at one or more attachment points 290. In one embodiment of the invention, external pockets 220 and/or zipper compartments 230 may be unzipped or otherwise detached from back panel 270, which preferably comprises a durable, breathable polyester mesh fabric to allow air to circulate to the child's skin on hot days. FIGS. 8A and 8B shows one embodiment of the present invention where there is a second piece of strap material (see 810 on FIGS. 8A and 8B) connecting via a strap adjuster/fastener, strap material 240 to the detachable strap adjuster/fastener (e.g., side release buckle) 260. The purpose of this strap adjuster/fastener is to allow adjusting of the length of the shoulder straps. An elastic band or loop or other fastener (not shown) may also be sewn onto the ends of the strap material 240 to gather and secure any excess strap material length.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the hip seat portion 300 of child carrier 10 includes a large under-seat storage compartment 310, which may be accessed by zipper 330 or other suitable closure mechanism. Hip seat portion 300 includes a hip belt 320 that wraps around the torso (e.g., waist or hips) of a wearer and securely attaches the bottom portion of the child carrier to the wearer.

For maximum versatility, back support portion 200 and hip seat portion 300 of child carrier 10 can be detachably connected using one or more fasteners, such as a horizontal zipper 410, vertical side release buckles 420, snaps, buttons, hook and loop, or any other suitable fasteners. In an embodiment of the invention, alternate versions of back support portion 200 may be detachably connected to hip seat portion 300 in addition to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, one alternate version of back support portion 200 comprises a single shoulder strap attached to a back panel 270 to allow wearing the carrier across a single shoulder (see FIGS. 7G-7I and FIG. 14 as discussed further in this document and which depict a single shoulder strap version of back support portion 200). In an embodiment of the invention, back support portion 200 may be completely detached from hip seat portion 300 to allow use of child carrier 10 as a hip seat carrier only where the child is supported by the wearer with one or both arms, but pressure on the wearer's hips is alleviated through use of the hip belt (see FIGS. 7A-7C as discussed later in this document).

In another embodiment of the invention, back support portion 200 may include a fabric seat portion (not pictured) for securely holding an infant while detached from hip seat portion 300. This permits hip seat portion 300 to be used as a hip seat carrier alone to carry another child for example, while the back support portion 200 with an included fabric seat portion is being worn by another person to carry a child. When the back support portion 200 is in use without hip seat portion 300, back support portion 200 may be detachably connected to a separate hip belt that will fit around the wearer's hips and help support the weight of a child being carried. In one embodiment of the invention, the hip belt used with the back support portion 200 with an included fabric seat portion may be similar in construction to hip belt 320, but without an integrated hip seat or under-seat storage compartment. Alternatively, a one-shoulder strap or other alternate version of back support portion 200 may also include an integrated fabric seat portion and be used in a manner similar to the two shoulder strap version of back support portion 200 with integrated fabric seat as discussed above.

In the example of a zipper, one half of the zipper tape can be sewn directly into a seam of the hip seat portion 300 or to a flap of material that in turn is sewn into a seam of the lower portion. The other half of the zipper tape is sewn into or otherwise attached to the back panel 270. In one embodiment of the invention, the zipper tapes comprise polyester webbing or fabric, and the zipper teeth are nylon, plastic, metal or other suitable material. In the example of side release buckles, the buckles can be attached, using suitable webbing material (e.g., nylon webbing) to a lower area 422 of the back panel 270 and to an upper area 424 of the hip seat portion 300. Using multiple, redundant attachment mechanisms between the top and bottom portions of the carrier mitigates accidental detachment of the top and bottom portions during use. In one embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 8A and 9, a fabric cover 910 can be sewn on the back portion adjacent to the half of the zipper tape that is attached to the back panel 270. The fabric cover 910 can cover the side release buckles, zipper and any other attachment mechanisms between the top and bottom portions of the carrier for aesthetic reasons and safety reasons, to keep the zipper puller flat which engages the zipper lock mechanism, while still allowing full access to the buckles, zippers and other attachments.

The primary outer surface material used in the back support portion and the hip seat portion of one embodiment of the invention is a durable polyester fabric, similar to that used in some backpacks or rucksacks, although any other durable fabric or material such as canvas or even natural or synthetic leather or pleather may be used in place of the durable polyester fabric. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, fasteners such as strap adjusters and side release buckles are made of a relatively lightweight, durable, shatterproof polymer material such as POM (polyoxymethylene). Alternatively, other durable, hard materials such as wood, steel or brass may be used for buckles and strap adjusters.

FIG. 2 is a view of child carrier 10 suspension, including shoulder straps 210, a chest strap 280, and hip belt 320. Shoulder straps 210 comprise an outer surface of durable nylon or polyester and padded with cotton, foam, silicone or other durable, soft material in some embodiments of the invention. The chest strap 280 can include a side release buckle 282 that facilitates strap length adjustments and retains shoulder straps 210 in an optimal position during carrier use. The lower portion of the child carrier forms a child seat 340 for the child. The child seat 340 can include a non-slip covering 350. The hip belt 320 can include a fastener 360 (e.g., a side release buckle) through which strap material (e.g., webbing) is threaded and can be length adjusted, thereby adjusting the length of the hip belt. The strap material attaches to the hip belt at a first attachment point 372 and a second attachment point 374. The buckle can be asymmetrically located on hip belt to better accommodate various wearer torso sizes with a single hip belt size. For example, the hip belt 320 can comprise a shorter segment 322 attached to one side of the child carrier and a longer segment 324 attached to the other side of the child carrier. The first attachment point 372 of the fastener can be located near the free end of hip belt's first segment 322, and the second attachment point 374 can be located in a central portion 324 of the longer segment. When the hip belt 320 is cinched tightly, excess length of the longer segment 324 can be tucked behind the shorter segment in the back of the shoulder strap. Alternatively, one or more extender belt segments for the hip belt 320 can be attached to first attachment point 372 and second attachment point 374 to accommodate a larger range of torso sizes for the wearer. In one embodiment of the invention, hip belt 320 comprises an outer surface of durable nylon or polyester fabric covering a PU (polyurethane) foam padding for wearer comfort.

FIG. 3 is side view of the hip seat portion 300 of the child carrier. The hip seat portion includes a seating surface 340, which is securely attached (e.g., sewn) to the hip belt 320. The seating surface 340 joins to the hip belt 320 at approximately a right angle, forming a stable, substantially horizontal surface on which a child can sit facing the wearer and/or facing outward. The angle formed between the hip belt, which is substantially vertical when the carrier is worn, and the child seat defines an under-seat space. This under-seat space is enclosed by at least one sidewall 380, which forms the storage compartment 310. The storage compartment is bounded or defined by seating surface 340, hip belt 320, and one or more sidewalls 380 that enclose the under-seat space.

FIG. 3 illustrates a single integral sidewall that encloses the under-seat space. A first edge 382 of sidewall 380 attaches along or near a bottom edge 326 of the hip belt 320 to form the bottom of the under-seat storage compartment 310. As will be appreciated, the first edge of the sidewall can be attached anywhere on the hip belt; however, placement closer to the bottom of the hip belt maximizes the volume of the storage compartment. The first edge 382 can be substantially horizontal relative to the ground. A second edge 384 of sidewall 380 attaches transversely across the hip belt 320 to form a vertical wall—it being understood that a third edge (386 in FIG. 4) would be attached to the opposite side of the hip belt in a mirror image of the second wall—and a fourth edge 388 of sidewall 380 attaches to the edge of seating surface 340 to fully enclose the compartment. The storage compartment can be accessed by a zipper 330 or other suitable closure. An elastic loop or cover can be sewn or attached to the zipper tape at the closed position end to cover the zipper pull when the zipper is in the closed position. The elastic loop covers the zipper for aesthetic and safety reasons so that baby's leg does not get caught on the zipper and also so that the zipper pull lies flat to engage the zipper lock mechanism. As will be appreciated, the sidewall 380 can be composed of multiple separate panels instead of a single integral sidewall, and the various walls of the storage compartment can be configured in different geometries.

As shown in FIG. 3, the under-seat storage compartment 310 has a roughly triangular profile, with the hip belt and child seat forming two sides, and the sidewall forming the hypotenuse. This configuration gives the storage compartment a roughly wedge shaped or triangular prism (e.g., three sides and two ends) geometry. As will be appreciated, other configurations could be employed by adding additional sides, such as a bottom wall, which would give the storage compartment an approximately cube or cuboid shape. However, a wedge-shaped geometry makes for a sleek and maneuverable profile.

The seating surface 340 can have an arcuate profile when viewed from above, but in practice any profile can be employed. The arcuate shape provides a healthy seating posture for the child when facing inward, facing outward, front carry, side carry and back carry supporting the child's legs at knee level, and the arcuate shape also reduces the child carrier's profile for better ambulatory maneuverability for the wearer.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the child carrier. The storage compartment 310 is formed by sidewall 380, and is bounded by bottom edge 382, right edge 384, left edge 386, and top edge 388 of the sidewall 380.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the hip seat portion 300 of the child carrier, with back support portion (200 in FIG. 1) detached. In this configuration, the lower portion is worn solely as a hip belt 320—i.e., no back support or shoulder straps—with the attached seating surface 340 and under-seat storage compartment 310. The hip belt 320 can include an accessory pocket 390 for storing personal items, such an electronic device. Hip belt 320 can also include a water bottle holder (not shown) for storing a water bottle. In one embodiment, the water bottle holder comprises an elastic or non-elastic fabric, mesh or netting pouch with an elastic opening attached to the hip belt to hold a water bottle. The pouch is hidden inside a zippered pocket on hip belt 320 when not in use, and when the zippered pocket is unzipped, the pouch can be taken out and will remain attached to the hip belt to carry a bottle. Hip belt 320 or under-seat storage compartment 310, alternatively or additionally, may include a second accessory pocket (not pictured) on the body facing or external facing surface that may include a small portable safety mirror that is fastened to a string that in turn is fastened to the second accessory pocket on hip belt 320 that the wearer can use to check on a child seated on the child carrier when carried on the back of the wearer and facing towards the wearer. Hip belt 320 or under-seat storage compartment 310, alternatively or additionally, may also include a third accessory or small storage pocket (not pictured) that may include a detachable hook or carabiner for holding at least one collapsible or foldable reusable or disposable shopping bag.

FIG. 6 shows an optional structural support 500 for the child seat, which can be removably inserted into the storage compartment. The structural support has a roughly “L” shaped profile and provides a sturdy shelf on which the child can sit. This is particularly helpful when the child carrier is worn in the hip seat configuration 300 because the child seat would collapse under the child's weight without the back panel and shoulder straps to bear the child's weight. The structural support 500 can be made of any rigid or semi-rigid and/or flexible material, such as plastic or metal. In a preferred embodiment, structural support 500 comprises molded PP (polypropylene plastic). The structural support 500 is configured to fit inside the under-seat storage compartment and can be removable. The structural support 500 has a riser 510 that joins a shelf 520 at an angle θ, such as a right angle or near right angle. As will be appreciated, different angles may be desirable. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, riser 510 is joined with shelf 520 at a slightly obtuse angle θ, such as a value of θ greater than 90 degrees but less than 120 degrees, would mitigate any deflection of the shelf caused by load bearing (the child sitting), and also would tend to cause a seated child to slide towards the wearer for better security. Angle θ provides more room for opening the under-seat storage compartment, even as the seating surface support prevents the top from being depressed, and may also seem to prevent the top from being lifted or moved when accessing the under-seat storage compartment. Sidewall 380 may comprise flexible fabric construction to allow the wearer better access to widen the opening of the under-seat storage compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ is about 100 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle θ ranges between about 90 and 110 degrees.

The structural support 500 also can be sculpted to conform to the wearer's body for more comfortable wearing. For example, the riser 510 and joining edge 530 of shelf 520 can be slightly concave, to better conform to a wearer's abdomen and/or lower back. The structural support 510 can include perforations or cut outs 550 to reduce weight and material, and to improve ventilation. In addition, reinforcing ribs 540 can be added to improve rigidity and strength. The structural support also can have rounded edges and corners 560 to reduce fabric wear, improve comfort, and facilitate insertion/removal of the support into/from the storage compartment. Structural support 500 can comprise a variety of shapes and configurations in addition to that shown in FIG. 6, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13. FIG. 11 shows a structural support 1100 with a riser 510 and a shelf 520 as in FIG. 6, but the outer curve 1110 of the shelf 520 away from the joining edge 530 is further rounded so that the shelf seating surface forms a arctuate or crescent-like shape. FIG. 12 shows the structural support 1100 of FIG. 11; however, the riser 510 is now enclosed in a padded pocket 1210 prior to insertion in the storage compartment so that any sharp edges of the structural support do not cause discomfort by poking into the wearer's body. FIG. 13 shows an alternate embodiment of a structural support 1300 used in the present invention, showing a curved joining edge 1320 and rounded outer edge 1330 to form a crescent shaped seat 1310, and a lip 1340 extending down from the seating surface to provide structure for reinforcing ribs 1350 to support the seating surface and also to provide a frame to hold the shape of the underseat storage compartment.

Structural support can be secured in the under-seat storage compartment by a separate compartment for the structural support which may be accessed via a 3-way zipper opening inside the under-seat storage compartment as shown in FIG. 10 (top diagram 1010 shows 3-way zipper opening in partially open position with structural support visible; bottom diagram 1030 shows 3-way zipper opening closed). Alternatively, an opening to a separate compartment for the structural support can be located outside the storage compartment, where the opening to the separate compartment comprises a zipper 1410 located near the bottom edge 382 of the storage compartment as shown in FIG. 14. A lip 1340 along the bottom edge of the structural support can help secure the structural support to the edge of the storage compartment to hold the shape of the seating surface. Since the structural support is kept separate in its own compartment, the structural support does not interfere with the opening for the under-seat storage.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a foldable structural support may be used in place of structural support 500, where a foldable structural support allows the riser and seat for less bulky, more compact storage of the child carrier when not in use. The purpose of this foldable structural support system is to allow the carrier seat to be folded in half when stored away. One embodiment of a foldable structural support is shown in FIG. 15, where the foldable structural support is in an open position. In this embodiment, seat portion 1510 of the foldable structural support in FIG. 15 is connected to a riser portion 1530 through one or more hinges 1520, that are lockable to both at least a folded position for storage and an open position at an angle θ where it can be used in the hip seat as a structural support. FIG. 16 shows the foldable structural support of FIG. 15, where the foldable structural support is in a folded position, with riser portion 1530 is folded down to meet seat portion 1510. In one embodiment, the riser 1530 and seat 1510 portions of foldable structural support shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 comprise any rigid or semi-rigid and/or flexible material such as molded propylene plastic, similar to the non-foldable structural supports. Hinges 1520 may be constructed of any appropriate material such as durable hard plastic, and/or metal, such as steel or brass. Each hinge 1520 is fastened at one end to the riser portion 1530 and at a second end to the seat portion 1510.

In one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 17A, a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a child carrier 1700A shows a location 1710A of a portion of a shoulder strap of the child carrier for a close-up view 1700B as depicted in FIG. 17B. 1715B shows a pocket with a zipper closure 1710B for small change and/or a credit card hidden along one edge of the shoulder strap as present in one embodiment of the present invention. 1725B shows a pocket 1720B for a credit card hidden along one edge of the shoulder strap in other embodiments of the present invention, with a hook and loop (e.g., Velcro) fastener closure for the pocket. FIG. 17A shows the portion of the shoulder strap of the child carrier in FIG. 17B as located on the portion of the shoulder strap facing the front of the adult babywearer, so that the small change/credit card pocket is easily accessible when the baby is being worn on the front of the adult. Other embodiments of the invention may position pocket 1715B or 1725B on alternate locations on the shoulder strap from that shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. In one embodiment, pocket 1715B or 1725B may be positioned on a shoulder strap such that the small change/credit card pocket is accessible when the child is being worn on the back of the adult.

In one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 18, a rear view of a hip seat portion 1800 of one embodiment of the child carrier is shown with one hip belt portion 1825 detached from a hip seat and belt portion 1820. The hip seat and belt portion 1820 can include a fastener 1860 (e.g., a side release buckle) attached to the hip seat and belt portion 1820 through which strap material 1865 (e.g., webbing) is threaded and can be length adjusted, thereby adjusting the fit of the hip seat around the adult babywearer. The strap material 1865 attaches to the hip belt at a first attachment point not visible in FIG. 18 (but similar to attachment point 372 of FIG. 2) and a second attachment point not visible in FIG. 18 (but similar to attachment point 374 of FIG. 2). In one embodiment of the invention, hip seat and belt portion 1820 can comprise a first segment 1822 attached to one side of hip seat 1821 and a second segment 1824 attached to the other side of hip seat 1821. The two ends of fastener 1860 may be connected together and the strap material 1865 may be length adjusted to fit the adult babywearer.

In one embodiment of the invention, hip belt portion 1825 may be used to provide added length to the hip seat and belt 1820 to further accommodate adult babywearers of a wide range of sizes. In one embodiment, hip belt portion 1825 may be securely and easily attached and detached from the second segment 1824 via a fastener such as a zipper, shown as first zipper portion 1830 and second zipper portion 1840. Hip belt portion 1825 may also be securely attached to the inner surface, facing the adult's body, of first segment 1822 via a hook and loop (e.g., Velcro) fastener 1850 for added security. In some embodiments, an adult babywearer, wanting to put their sleeping child to bed, but not wanting to disturb their child's sleep, may choose to detach the hip belt from his or her body by unzipping first zipper portion 1830 and second zipper portion 1840 which provides a quieter, less complicated way to remove the hip belt than the hook and loop fastener 1850 or even the fastener 1860, both of which could be noisy to unfasten.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, hip belt portion 1825 may be securely and easily attached and detached from the second segment 1824 via a quiet or low-noise, non-zipper fastener (not shown) such as button fasteners, snap fasteners, plastic quick-release buckles, D-ring or similar buckles, “silent” Velcro or hook-and-loop fastener, or traditional leather belt buckles with holes. In these embodiments, an adult babywearer, wanting to put their sleeping child to bed, but not wanting to disturb their child's sleep, may choose to detach the hip belt from his or her body by unfastening one of these quiet or low-noise, non-zipper fastener which provides a quieter, less complicated way to remove the hip belt than the hook and loop fastener 1850 or even the fastener 1860, both of which could be noisy to unfasten.

As described in previous embodiments as shown in FIG. 2, one or more extender belt segments for the hip belt 1820 can be attached to first attachment point 1872 and second attachment point 1874 to accommodate an even larger range of torso sizes for the wearer, while maintaining all of the secure fastening and quick and quiet hip belt removal features as before. In one embodiment of the invention, hip belt 1820 comprises an outer surface of durable nylon or polyester fabric covering a PU (polyurethane) foam padding for wearer comfort.

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the hip seat portion 1800 of FIG. 18 wherein the fastener 1860 is shown as a quick release buckle and fastener, strap material 1865 is tucked behind loops 1910, and the hip belt portion 1825 is attached to the hip seat and belt portion 1820 by first and second zipper portions 1830 and 1840 which are shown in FIG. 19 as zipped up together. In one embodiment, the hip belt portion 1825 of FIG. 19 may also be attached to hip seat portion 1820 by hook and loop fastener 1850 (not shown in FIG. 19).

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the hip seat portion 1800 of FIG. 18 wherein the hip belt portion 1825 is attached to the hip seat and belt portion 1820 as in FIG. 19, and contents of a hip belt pocket 2010 having a side slit opening 2020 are shown. In one embodiment of the invention, hip belt pocket 2010 may have an attached bottle holder 2030 that has an elasticized or drawstring opening to secure a water or infant feeding bottle (example water bottle is shown at 2040) for easy access while the child carrier is positioned around the adult wearer's hips and/or a child is being carried in the carrier. In one embodiment of the invention, bottle holder 2030 may be made of durable, lightweight, elasticized webbing material that may easily be tucked back into pocket 2010 through opening 2020 for storage when not in use. Pocket 2010 may, in some embodiments of the invention, be of sufficient depth and width to hold a folded lightweight, disposable and/or washable diaper changing pad 2050 in addition to bottle holder 2030.

FIG. 21 is a front view of one embodiment of a hip seat portion 2100 of a child carrier showing fastener 2110 to a back support portion 2105 of the child carrier. Fastener 2110 is shown in an open, or unattached position where hip seat portion 2100 is not attached to back support portion 2105. Fastener 2110 shown in FIG. 21 may be compared for illustrative purposes to fastener 410 shown in FIGS. 1-4 in a closed or attached position where hip seat portion 2100 is attached to back support portion 2105. In one embodiment of the present invention, fastener 2110 may comprise a first zipper portion 2120 attached to the back support portion 2105 and a second zipper portion 2130 attached to hip seat portion 2100. Second zipper portion 2130 may be stored inside compartment 2140 when the hip seat portion 2100 is being used as a child carrier without back support portion 2105. In one embodiment of the invention, compartment 2140 comprises an opening with a zipper closure to keep second zipper portion 2130 out of the way of the adult wearer's arms and the carried child's legs. In some embodiments of the invention, compartment 2140 is separate from storage compartment 2150 which comprises a separate opening with a zipper closure to storage space.

FIG. 22 is a front view of the embodiment 2100 of a hip seat portion of a child carrier shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 22 depicts the fastener 2130 attaching the hip seat portion 2100 to the back support portion of the child carrier as being disengaged and stored inside compartment 2140. Storage compartment 2150 is shown with the zippered opening in an open position.

FIG. 23 is another front view of the embodiment 2100 of a hip seat portion of a child carrier shown in FIG. 21, with the storage compartment 2150 held in an open position. In some embodiments of the invention, as shown in FIG. 23, storage compartment 2150 further comprises an attached key ring 2320 for holding one or more keys 2330, keycards or other items. In one embodiment of the invention, a strap 2310, such as an elastic strap, or hook and loop fastener strap may be attached to either side of an inner surface of the storage compartment 2310 of sufficient length to hold a disposable diaper, pack of baby wipes, extra set of underpants, or similar item securely in place inside the storage compartment 2150.

FIG. 24 is a bottom, front, left perspective view of a hip seat portion of a child carrier as shown in FIG. 21, wherein a hip seat under storage compartment opening 2150 is in a closed position. In one embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 24, an externally accessible storage pocket 2410 positioned at the seam where the hip seat storage compartment is attached to the hip belt, and extending lengthwise along the hip belt, may hold a structural support (not shown) for the hip seat of the child carrier, or may comprise additional storage space. In some embodiments of the invention, storage pocket 2410 may comprise an opening fastened by a hook and loop fastener, or other suitable fastener 2420. In one embodiment of the invention, fastener 2420 may comprise a zipper similar to that shown at 1410 of FIG. 14. In some embodiments of the invention, the structural support may comprise one or more of those illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16.

FIGS. 7A-7I show numerous carrying configurations for the child carrier. FIGS. 7A-7C show an adult 1 wearing only the hip seat portion 300 of the child carrier, which is supported on the adult by a hip belt 320. FIG. 7A shows the adult wearing the hip seat facing forward across the abdomen, with the child sitting on the hip seat facing in towards the adult's body. FIG. 7B shows the adult wearing the hip seat facing forward but with the child facing outward. FIG. 7C shows the adult wearing the hip seat turned to the side—e.g., on the hip—with the child facing in towards the adult's body. FIGS. 7D-7F show the adult 1 wearing the child carrier with two shoulder straps 210 attached to the back support portion and hip belt 320. The child carrier can be worn on the front facing in (FIG. 7D), front facing out (FIG. 7E), or back facing in (FIG. 7F). FIGS. 7G-7I show the adult 1 wearing the child carrier with a single shoulder strap 210 attached to the back support portion and hip belt 320. The child carrier can be worn on the front facing in (FIG. 7G), front facing out (FIG. 71-1), or side hip facing in (FIG. 71). The child carrier set forth in embodiments of the present invention supports and carries children of at least up to 44 pounds (20 Kg) and up to at least 3 years old. The child carrier set forth in embodiments of the present invention can also carry smaller children and infants. To carry newborns and small infants, a padded infant insert (not pictured) can be used in an embodiment of the invention, with the seat portion and with the single or double shoulder strap back support portions. In one embodiment of the invention, the infant insert has a back, padded seat, and front with leg openings, which can adjustably fasten together to enclose and secure the infant inside and to the carrier, while the padded seat is ergonomically positioned on the seat portion of the carrier to ensure baby's hips are held in a natural fetal position. Embodiments of the present invention optionally may also be used with a pair of drool pads (not pictured) that fasten around the shoulder strap portions that are adjacent to baby's hands and head, and/or a front drool pad (not pictured) that fastens around the shoulder strap portions of the two shoulder strap carrier and the top of the back portion that would be adjacent to baby's head and hands.

The use of headings and sections in the application is not meant to limit the invention; each section can apply to any aspect, embodiment, or feature of the invention.

Throughout the application, where compositions are described as having, including, or comprising specific components, or where processes are described as having, including or comprising specific process steps, it is contemplated that compositions of the present teachings also consist essentially of, or consist of, the recited components, and that the processes of the present teachings also consist essentially of, or consist of, the recited process steps.

In the application, where an element or component is said to be included in and/or selected from a list of recited elements or components, it should be understood that the element or component can be any one of the recited elements or components and can be selected from a group consisting of one or more of the recited elements or components. Further, it should be understood that elements and/or features of a composition, an apparatus, or a method described herein can be combined in a variety of ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings, whether explicit or implicit herein.

The use of the terms “comprise,” “include,” “includes,” “including,” “have,” “has,” or “having” should be generally understood as open-ended and non-limiting unless specifically stated otherwise.

The use of the singular herein includes the plural (and vice versa) unless specifically stated otherwise. Moreover, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Where the use of the term “about” is before a quantitative value, the present teachings also include the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the term “about” refers to a ±10% variation from the nominal value.

It should be understood that the order of steps or order for performing certain actions is immaterial so long as the present teachings remain operable. Moreover, two or more steps or actions may be conducted simultaneously.

Where a range or list of values is provided, each intervening value between the upper and lower limits of that range or list of values is individually contemplated and is encompassed within the invention as if each value were specifically enumerated herein. In addition, smaller ranges between and including the upper and lower limits of a given range are contemplated and encompassed within the invention. The listing of exemplary values or ranges is not a disclaimer of other values or ranges between and including the upper and lower limits of a given range.

While the present invention has been particularly described with respect to the illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that various alterations, modifications and adaptations may be made based on the present disclosure and are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. While the invention has been described in connection with what are considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A child carrier system comprising: a hip seat comprising: a hip belt comprising: a first edge, a second edge, a first zipper portion connected to the first edge and the second edge, a second zipper portion connected to the first edge and the second edge wherein the second zipper portion may be engaged with the first zipper portion in a closed position or disengaged from the first zipper portion in an open position, a first end, and a second end; a fastener having a first portion positioned proximate to the first end of the hip belt and a second portion positioned proximate to the second end of the hip belt for adjustably securing the hip belt around a user's waist or hips; a seating surface attached to the hip belt and extending laterally from the first edge of the hip belt, the seating surface having a lateral edge distal from the hip belt; and a storage compartment located below the seating surface wherein the storage compartment is formed by enclosing an angle between the hip belt and the seating surface with a sidewall connected to the lateral edge of the seating surface and the second edge of the hip belt; and a shoulder support comprising: a back panel for supporting a child, the back panel having a top, a bottom, a left side, and a right side, the bottom detachably connected to the lateral edge of the seating surface; and a first shoulder strap connected at a first end to the top of the back panel and at a second end to a left side or a right side of the back panel; wherein the first shoulder strap is detachably connected to the back panel, and wherein the hip seat is configured to support a seated child when the back panel is detached while the seated child is held in place by the user.
 2. The child carrier system of claim 1, wherein the first shoulder strap is connected at the second end to the left side of the back panel, and further comprising a second shoulder strap connected at a first end to the top of the back panel and at a second end to the right side of the back panel.
 3. The child carrier system of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment is wedge shaped.
 4. The child carrier system of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment comprises a zipper closure disposed on the sidewall adjacent to the lateral edge of the seating surface.
 5. The child carrier system of claim 1, further comprising a removable support bracket configured for insertion into the storage compartment, the removable support bracket comprising a vertical riser positioned in the storage compartment adjacent to the hip belt and a horizontal shelf positioned in the storage compartment under the seating surface, wherein the vertical riser and the horizontal shelf are joined at an angle that biases the seating surface in a substantially horizontal orientation.
 6. The child carrier system of claim 5, wherein the storage compartment further comprises a first sub-compartment for receiving the removable support bracket.
 7. The child carrier system of claim 6, wherein the first sub-compartment is accessed by at least one opening secured by a fastener disposed on an inner surface of the storage compartment.
 8. The child carrier system of claim 6, wherein the first sub-compartment is accessed by an opening disposed on the sidewall adjacent to the second edge of the hip belt.
 9. The child carrier system of claim 5, wherein the removable support bracket comprises a rigid plastic material.
 10. The child carrier system of claim 1, wherein the first shoulder strap is detachably connected to the left or right side.
 11. The child carrier system of claim 1, wherein the second shoulder strap is detachably connected to the left or right side.
 12. The child carrier system of claim 1, wherein the seating surface has an arcuate shape.
 13. The child carrier system of claim 1, wherein the angle between the hip belt and the seating surface is an obtuse angle.
 14. The child carrier system of claim 13, wherein the angle between the hip belt and the seating surface is between 90 degrees and 120 degrees.
 15. The child carrier system of claim 1, further comprising a removable support bracket configured for insertion into the storage compartment, the removable support bracket comprising one or more hinges, a riser portion, and a seat portion, wherein the riser portion may be positioned in the storage compartment adjacent to the hip belt and the seat portion may be positioned in the storage compartment under the seating surface, wherein the vertical riser and the seat portion are rotatably connected by the one or more hinges at an angle θ.
 16. The child carrier system of claim 15, wherein the angle θ is adjustable between 0 degrees and 120 degrees inclusive.
 17. The child carrier system of claim 15, wherein the vertical riser and the seat portion may be adjustable by the user into one or more lockable positions at an angle θ.
 18. The child carrier system of claim 1, further comprising a bottle holder attached to a first surface of the hip belt, wherein the bottle holder may be inserted into a pocket attached to the first surface of the hip belt when not in use.
 19. The child carrier system of claim 18, wherein an opening of the pocket extends along the first surface of the hip belt, between the first and second edges of the hip belt.
 20. A child carrier hip seat comprising: a hip belt comprising: a first edge, a second edge, a first fastener portion connected to the first edge and the second edge, a second fastener portion connected to the first edge and the second edge wherein the second fastener portion may be engaged with the first fastener portion in a closed position or disengaged from the first fastener portion in an open position, a first end, and a second end; a belt fastener having a first portion positioned proximate to the first end of the hip belt and a second portion positioned proximate to the second end of the hip belt for adjustably securing the hip belt around a user's waist or hips; a seating surface attached to the hip belt and extending laterally from the first edge of the hip belt, the seating surface having a lateral edge distal from the hip belt; and a storage compartment located below the seating surface wherein the storage compartment is formed by enclosing an angle between the hip belt and the seating surface with a sidewall connected to the lateral edge of the seating surface and the second edge of the hip belt, wherein the hip seat is configured to support a child seated on the seating surface while the child is held by the user. 